"I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
She dials her cell phone excitedly."Hi, Mom.Guess what?We're having a baby!"
"That's nice, dear.I am so super busy right now.The society ball is next week and I’ve got to get just the right dress.Then there's all that flak I'm getting from my bridge group.And then…ooops.Gotta go.Time for my therapy session.Bye."
"Why did I even bother to call?" she sighs to her husband.
Self-absorption is our national epidemic.We're endlessly obsessed with our own lives.And no wonder.If each of us is the hub of our universe, then everything revolves around our own personal planet.But we're haunted by a mysterious ache in our souls.Where's the companionship?Where's the sense of belonging?Something is radically wrong.
Self-absorbed people live only for themselves.They are like submarines – self-contained and independent.They merely cruise the ocean of life on autopilot and never really connect.In the end, they wind up alone.
So what's the real issue?Our great commandment is to love God with everything we have. But if we're too busy thinking about ourselves, we can't do it.It's a physical principle.Two things can't occupy the same space simultaneously.
God wants to work through us in order to bless others.But when the submarine door is slammed shut he can't get in.The only answer is to shove our self-obsession out the hatch door.Then we can humbly reflect Christ to those around us and build real relationships.
Self-absorption is a membership key to the lonely hearts club.Here's how you can change:
·Set your radar screen on bigger sights. Stop focusing on yourself.
·Put up your periscope.Look around for ways to serve others.
·Stamp out I-dolatry.Keep your sonar set on God.
If you only think about yourself, you'll run out of friends.Selfish people help themselves.Generous people help others.So why not launch out from your submarine?God has a whole school of fish just waiting to swim with you.
Living for God (TM) offers resources on Christian living. Check them out at www.livingforgod.net or call (719) 578-8837.
